Ferguson Dental AssociatesAppointments: (843) 571-4411

Larry Ferguson D.M.D.

Ferguson Dental Associates

If you suffer from periodontal disease or want to make sure you avoid it, Charleston area gum disease dentist Dr. Larry Ferguson offers the solution with non-surgical preventive gum therapy. Look and feel your best with healthy gums and an attractive smile.

Do you suffer from dental phobia? Don't worry, you're not alone. Ferguson Dental Associates can help you. Dr. Ferguson of the Charleston, South Carolina area understands that your concerns are very real, and he is committed to helping you maintain your oral health in a setting that feels completely safe and comfortable for you.

Are you suffering from unsightly bleeding gums? Bleeding gums can be painful and can cause bad breath. Charleston area gum disease dentist Larry Ferguson, D.M.D. can provide you with effective care for your bleeding gums. Don't put off treatment any longer, call Ferguson Dental Associates today to set up a consultation.

At Ferguson Dental Associates, we accept several types of dental insurance. With the proper information, Dr. Ferguson and his staff will be happy to file your insurance claim for you. We strive to make the insurance paperwork process as simple and streamlined as possible. You are only personally responsible for the co-pay or deductible amount.

Sleep dentistry offers a relaxing and virtually pain-free dental experience. You'll have little or no memory of the entire visit. If you would you like to experience quality dental care without feeling nervous or uncomfortable, sleep dentistry may be right for you.

What Is a Mouth Sore or Canker Sore and What Are the Causes?

People often use the terms "canker sores" and "cold sores" interchangeably. While both are very painful, a canker mouth sore is found on the inside of the mouth and is not contagious; cold sores are located on the inside or outside of the mouth and are contagious.

Canker Sores:

These sores are found inside the cheeks, on your tongue or the bottom of your mouth, and sometimes on your gums. They range from the size of a tiny pinhead to a penny. The sores are grayish-white in the center and circled with a red inflammation. Since it's an open mouth sore, it hurts when touched by anything, including saliva. They can burn and itch, too.

Canker sores might be called the "stress sores," because they are caused by different types of stress:

Emotional stress;

Physical stress, such as biting your tongue, burning your mouth, or an abrasion from braces or loose dentures; or

Chemical stress producing changes in your body, perhaps resulting from an illness or change in eating habits (such as medications, or too much of acidic foods such as tomatoes, grapefruit, or lemons).

About one in five people get them. Women in the 20-to-50 year age group get them more often. Once you get them, you're likely to experience them again. However, they usually go away after seven to ten days, although some can be longer-lasting.

An antimicrobial mouth rinse may lessen the irritation. Temporary relief can be provided by over-the-counter topical anesthetics. Pain relief varies with different products. Some medications provide a protective film that physically blocks contact with food and saliva, lessening irritation.

Good oral hygiene and a healthy diet are preventive measures for reducing the frequency of outbreaks.

Cold Sores

Also known as fever blisters, cold sores are caused by the virus herpes simplex. These are painful blisters that usually break out around the lips and sometimes under the nose or chin and normally heal within one week. They are very contagious. The virus stays in the body, causing recurrent lesions prompted from a fever, sunburn, skin abrasions, or stress.

They can be treated by your dentist with the same topical anesthetics to relieve pain and irritation as for canker sores. Prescription antiviral drugs can be effective in reducing viral infections that cause flare-ups.

Additionally, there are new topical medications (ointments) now available that shorten the duration of a breakout, when applied immediately after the cold mouth sore is noticed. All antiviral medications work best in the prodromal or early stage of the lesion. If the wound is open and sore, these medications are of little use as the healing time is still the same.

Be sure to consult with your dentist when any mouth sores do not heal.

By Brian J. Gray, DDS, MAGD, FICO

Mouthguards - Learn Everything You Need To Know

Every year, more than 200,000 people are treated by dentists and oral surgeons for sports-related injuries. Many of these injuries could be avoided if athletes and sports enthusiasts used protective equipment.

The mouth guard, a small, flexible plastic device, can dramatically protect athletes from injuries including concussions, jaw fractures, and neck and head trauma. Anyone participating in sports and especially contact sports such as football, hockey, soccer, and wrestling, should wear protective mouth guards for safety. It is especially important to wear a mouth guard if a person has braces. In addition, if a child's teeth protrude, it is very important that he or she wears one.

Different Types of Mouth Guards Available

Different types of mouth guards from off-the-shelf to custom-fitted types provide various advantages and degrees of protection . When considering options, evaluate the mouth guard's degree of comfort; the wearer's ability to speak and breathe; durability; and protection for the teeth and mouth.

The stock or off-the-shelf mouth guard is the least expensive type and offers the least protection. Adjustment is limited and may interfere with speech and breathing. The jaw holds the mouth guard in place so the jaw must be closed at all times to work properly -- not convenient or practical in many situations.

The "boil-and-bite" mouth guard found in athletic stores also is inexpensive. The mouth guard is dropped into hot water, then placed into the mouth; the synthetic material forms an impression around the teeth providing a better fit. Make certain that the mouth guard is not too big.

Custom-made mouth guards are more expensive, but after all of the permanent teeth have erupted, they do offer the best protection against injury. They're also more comfortable to wear. These are made by the dentist and tailored to fit your mouth.

Mouth guard Care

Wash with soap and warm water and soak the mouth guard in mouthwash before storage. Store in a well-ventilated plastic storage case when not using. Do not bend.

Some mouth guards can be cleaned with an effervescent cleaner such as Efferdent -- refer to individual instructions first.

Avoid exposing your mouth guard to heat, including leaving it in direct sunlight or in a hot car, which can permanently affect its shape and fit.

Keep it to yourself! Don't handle other people's mouth guards or let others use yours.

Your dentist wants you to avoid any risk of facial, head, neck, and dental injuries that can often be prevented with a protective mouth guard. For all these reasons, the dental profession encourages the use of high-quality mouth guards. Mouth guards are changing the face of sports and protecting hundreds of thousands of people in the process.